Palm toddy fermented a day or two into a tart, mildly alcoholic drink. Fresh kaleve ferments within hours in the heat, and the sour version is the traditional island alcohol — regulated by the falekaupule councils.
It ferments in the container on the tree before anyone handles it, and the island councils regulate it under local bylaws; there is no preparation to describe.
What goes into it
- coconut palm sap
- nothing else
How it is made
The tapper binds and cuts the coconut flower spathe and hangs a container to catch the sap, returning twice a day. Wild yeasts in the container ferment it as it collects, so it is sweet when drawn and sour and alcoholic within a day or two. Fresh sweet toddy is a different drink and is boiled down to syrup instead.
How long it takes: one to two days in the container
How it is eaten
From a cup or a bottle within a day or two of tapping.
History
Fresh kaleve ferments within hours in the heat; the sour version is the traditional island alcohol and is regulated by falekaupule councils.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sour Toddy?
Sour Toddy is a wine & spirit from Tuvalu: palm toddy fermented a day or two into a tart, mildly alcoholic drink. Fresh kaleve ferments within hours in the heat; the sour version is the traditional island alcohol and is regulated by falekaupule councils.
How is Sour Toddy made?
The tapper binds and cuts the coconut flower spathe and hangs a container to catch the sap, returning twice a day. Wild yeasts in the container ferment it as it collects, so it is sweet when drawn and sour and alcoholic within a day or two. Fresh sweet toddy is a different drink and is boiled down to syrup instead. It takes one to two days in the container.
Can I make Sour Toddy at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It ferments in the container on the tree before anyone handles it, and the island councils regulate it under local bylaws; there is no preparation to describe.
What goes into Sour Toddy?
Coconut palm sap, nothing else.
How is Sour Toddy eaten?
From a cup or a bottle within a day or two of tapping.
